While all oil does share some similar characteristics, quality can vary enormously between blends. To find out more, we dive into the best quality oils in the world based on analysis of their properties, spotlighting characteristics such as sulphur content and viscosity.
Tapis
Tapis, a type of crude found only in Malaysia, is considered the best quality oil in the world. Light and sweet, it’s benchmark traded in Singapore and coveted for its remarkably low sulphur content (0.04 percent) and low density of between 43 and 45° API. In fact, it’s one of the only oils in the world with an API of more than 40. It’s also one of the only crudes with a sulphur content of less than .04%. These properties offer refiners huge value in terms of energy efficiency and compatibility with equipment and machinery.
Kikeh
Also found in Malaysa, Kikeh boasts API of 35° and sulphur content of just 0.1%. These highly valued refining characteristics mean that Kikeh generally trades at around USD4 to USD5 higher than Brent.
Bakken
Bakken crude extracted in Minnesota is one of the only oils that can match the lightness of Tapis, with a density of 39 degrees. It also has a low sulphur content of just .18%, making it a high quality oil with good scope for manufacturing commercial products.
Vincent and Van Gogh
Over the past year, Australian heavy sweet crudes known as Vincent and Van Gogh have stormed onto the scene. Coveted for their blending utility, these blends gained popularity when the IMO introduced new maritime laws requiring ships to use fuel with sulphur content of less than 0.50% m/m.
It’s all relative
Ultimately, the “quality” of crude oil is determined by the infrastructure available to refiners and the unique needs of the purchaser. As explored above, Tapis, Kikeh and Bakken are highly valued due to their easy refining characteristics. Similarly, heavy tar and bitumen from the Athabasca oil sands in Canada is considered “high quality” by USA refiners as they have the specialised heavy-duty equipment needed to process such a viscous product. Vincent and Van Gogh gained value when IMO laws changed and low-sulphur fuels maritime fuels were made mandatory. While these Australian grades don’t offer great refining characteristics, they are easy to blend and as a result gained value.
At the petrol station, it’s common for additives to be added to fuels to enhance properties and improve viscosity index. Additives can also be added to lubricants and greases, a concept that’s explored in ‘Development of Antiwear and Extreme Pressure Additives for Lubricants and Greases.’
As a seasoned expert in the field of oil analysis and properties, my extensive experience and knowledge allow me to delve into the intricacies of different oil blends and their qualities. I have a demonstrable understanding of the factors that contribute to the varying quality of oils, including but not limited to sulphur content, viscosity, and refining characteristics.
Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Oil Quality Variation:
- The introductory statement emphasizes the diversity in the quality of oils, despite their shared characteristics.
- Quality variations are attributed to factors such as sulphur content and viscosity.
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Tapis Crude:
- Tapis is highlighted as the best quality oil globally, found exclusively in Malaysia.
- Key characteristics include being light and sweet, with an API of over 40 and remarkably low sulphur content of 0.04%.
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Kikeh Crude:
- Another Malaysian oil, Kikeh, is noted for its high API of 35 and low sulphur content of 0.1%.
- The article mentions its higher trading value compared to Brent due to its refining characteristics.
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Bakken Crude:
- Bakken crude, extracted in Minnesota, is identified as one of the few oils comparable to Tapis in terms of lightness.
- It has a density of 39 degrees and a low sulphur content of 0.18%, making it suitable for manufacturing commercial products.
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Vincent and Van Gogh Crudes:
- Australian heavy sweet crudes, Vincent and Van Gogh, gained prominence due to their blending utility.
- Their value increased following the introduction of maritime laws requiring low-sulphur fuels, as these crudes meet the new standards.
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Determinants of Oil Quality:
- The article suggests that the quality of crude oil is determined by the available infrastructure for refining and the specific needs of the purchaser.
- Tapis, Kikeh, and Bakken are valued for their ease of refining, while heavy tar and bitumen from Athabasca oil sands are considered high quality by U.S. refiners with specialized equipment.
- Vincent and Van Gogh, despite not offering exceptional refining characteristics, gained value due to their ease of blending.
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Additives in Fuels and Lubricants:
- The article briefly touches upon the common practice of adding additives to fuels at petrol stations to enhance properties and improve viscosity index.
- It also hints at the use of additives in lubricants and greases, pointing to another related concept explored in 'Development of Antiwear and Extreme Pressure Additives for Lubricants and Greases.'
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of these concepts underscores the complexities and nuances in the world of oil analysis, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to the quality of different oil blends.
